Can the Sharks secure a home URC play-off spot against the Ospreys in Durban?

The Sharks have managed to scrape through their two previous matches overseas to bag some important wins as they continue to push for a strong finish during the regular season of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

While they will welcome the Ospreys this Friday evening (7pm kick-off) to Kings Park, the Durban side owes their campaign and fans a strong performance to strengthen their credentials ahead of the playoffs. They are one of the four teams already qualified for a quarter-final and one more victory will guarantee them a home clash.

So, that makes the Ospreys clash very important, where a victory could take all the pressure off the side.

But, their stuttering wins for most of the season remain a mystery and it’s time they take charge of their fate.

Over the last two matches overseas, they’ve shown that their defence can hold its own when under severe scrutiny. It’s been a highlight of their wins over Edinburgh and Ulster. Not just the team efforts to close out games, but the individual performances as well.

Try-saving tackles from the likes of centre André Esterhuizen, loose forward Siya Kolisi, and utility back Ethan Hooker. More will be needed against the Ospreys and fellow Welsh team, the Scarlets, who grace the shores of the East Coast in a couple of weeks.

At home, their supporters will want to see their attack sparkle again. They’ve shown some glimpses of what they can do with the ball in hand, but they haven’t played to their full potential really. Their game-drivers must step up and this is where halfbacks Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse come in, alongside centres André Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am and fullback Aphelele Fassi.

There is also a case to be made for youngster Jurenzo Julius, who has been subliminal on the attack whenever the Sharks have set him loose. Am’s experience, especially in crunch games, is vital, but Julius adds another dynamic to their attack that has been missing for a while. It’s unlikely, though, that the Bok midfield pairing will be broken for him to get a chance. He can add value off the bench, but limited playing minutes won’t help him or the team.

With two five-point wins at Kings Park, the fourth-placed Sharks can still jump above the Bulls (3rd) and defending champions the Glasgow Warriors (2nd) should both sides lose their final games. It’s highly unlikely that they will. So, the Sharks should focus on what they can control this week to give them the best chance in the playoffs.